Three Rescuers Injured in Alaska Ambulance Crash
Three medics were injured when a Dodge pickup collided with an Anchorage Fire Department ambulance.
Dec. 29--Three medics were injured when a Dodge pickup collided with an Anchorage Fire Department ambulance as it rushed a patient to the hospital during Thursday morning's rush hour, the Anchorage Police Department said.
The pickup, headed out of town on the Glenn Highway, broadsided the ambulance as it crossed the highway just after 8 a.m. The ambulance was driving out of Mountain View toward Airport Heights Drive with its lights flashing and sirens screaming.
The emergency vehicle was en route to the hospital, carrying patient Antonio Malavai, who had a serious injury to his arm, according to police. His wife, Gail Malavai, was riding in the front seat with Eric Tuott, 31, a Fire Department driver.
EMT Jess Werner, 40, and paramedics Dave Wallace, 43, and Tony Brugliera, 36, were tending to Malavai in the back.
The truck struck the ambulance on the rear passenger side, causing "significant damage," said Bridget Bushue, deputy chief of fire prevention for the city.
Brugliera suffered a serious head injury in the crash and remained hospitalized Thursday evening in stable but guarded condition, Anchorage Police Department spokesman Paul Honeman said. Werner and Wallace had minor injuries to the face and back, and were treated and released.
The Malavais and the driver of the pickup, Clifton Tyler, 43, were not injured in the collision.
"I believe the truck was driving in what he said was still a green light," said Honeman. "Even though the light may be green, you got to stop (for an ambulance)."
Ambulance drivers must also exercise caution, he said. Police are investigating whether Tyler's view of the intersection might have been blocked by a large truck.
Tuott will be drug tested and return to work once the accident investigation is complete, in accordance with required AFD procedure, Bushue said.
Police have not issued citations. They are looking for people who witnessed the crash, Honeman said. He asked witnesses to contact APD at 786-8900.
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